What fonts are copyrighted?
So what most people refer to as “fonts” are actually typefaces! In the United States, fonts are protectable under copyright law. Typefaces, however, are not. The Code of Federal Regulations explicitly provides that “typeface as typeface” is not protectable.
Can I use Dafont fonts commercially?
A website like Dafont is a good example of this. While they do have fonts on there that can be used commercially, you’ll see that many are listed as “Personal Use Only” next to each one. They’re “free” but they’re also only for personal use only. Dafont also has a lot of fonts listed as “Demo” fonts.
Is it legal to use fonts?
Generally, copyright law in the U.S. does not protect typefaces. Fonts may be protected as long as the font qualifies as computer software or a program (and in fact, most fonts are programs or software). In contrast, Germany recognized in 1981 that typeface designs can be protected by copyright as original works.
How to check if I can use a font for commercial use?
If your unsure of the font, dump it, trash it, then repurchase a legal and quality version of font for the job and be sure you have the EULA license for web or print use. Simply google the name of the typeface with the word ‘typeface’ behind it and you will find the source (s) of the typeface.
How can you tell if a font is copyrighted?
For this sort of thing I like to use a site called WhatFontIs. This is an image-based search engine that allows you to upload an image of the font in question. The site will scan the image letter by letter and attempt to find a match based on their database of over 600,000 fonts.
Do you need a license to use a font?
When you purchase a font typically a document called a End Users License Agreement or EULA is on the site and generally it is also part of the font download package. If you want to use any font professionally then you need to act professionally, so in most business relationships you purchase the font license to protect yourself and your client.
Can a Microsoft Word Font be used commercially?
Can Microsoft Word fonts be used commercially? Yes. You cannot resell Microsoft Word fonts as your own or as part of a collection, but you may use your legally acquired fonts commercially. Three Questions To Ask When Using Fonts In Your Designs and Marketing Materials 1. Are you legally allowed to use the font?